Diploma Options

Indiana offers several types of high school diplomas, each with a particular set of course requirements.

You can download PDFs of each diploma’s requirements here.

5 different types of high school diplomas in Indiana

There are five different types of high school diplomas that you can earn in Indiana. Read below to discover which one is best for you.

CORE 40

The Core 40 diploma has been required for high school graduation in Indiana since 2007. To graduate with less than Core 40, a student must complete a formal opt-out process involving parental consent. The Core 40 diploma prepares you for many college programs and careers. There are 40 total state credits required. However, some schools may have additional local graduation requirements for all students.

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English/language arts: 8 credits
Includes a balance of literature, composition and speech.
Mathematics: 6 credits (in grades 9-12)
2 credits: Algebra I
2 credits: Geometry
2 credits: Algebra II
Or complete Integrated Math I, II and III for 6 credits.
Students must take a math or quantitative reasoning course each year in high school
Science: 6 credits
2 credits: Biology I
2 credits: Chemistry I or Physics I or Integrated Chemistry-Physics
2 credits: any Core 40 science course
Social Studies: 6 credits
2 credits: U.S. History
1 credit: U.S. Government
1 credit: Economics
2 credits: World History/Civilization or Geography/History of the World
Directed Electives: 5 credits
World Languages
Fine Arts
Career and Technical Education
Physical Education: 2 credits
Electives: 6 credits*
College and Career Pathway courses recommended

CORE 40 with Technical Honors

High school schedules provide time for many more electives during the high school years. All students are strongly encouraged to complete a College and Career Pathway by intentionally selecting electives.

Some technical programs and apprenticeships might require the Core 40 with Technical Honors. For the Core 40 with Technical Honors diploma, students must complete the requirements below.

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Complete all requirements for Core 40.
Earn 6 credits in the college and career preparation courses in a state-approved College & Career Pathway and one of the following:
State approved, industry recognized certification or credential
Pathway dual credits from the approved dual credit list resulting in 6 college credits
Earn a grade of “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diploma
Have a cumulative grade point average of a “B” or better.
Complete one of the following:

Any one of the options (A – F) of the Core 40 with Academic Honors
Earn the following scores or higher on WorkKeys: Reading for Information – Level 6, Applied Mathematics – Level 6, and Locating Information-Level 5.
Earn the following minimum score(s) on Accuplacer: Writing 80, Reading 90, Math 75.
Earn the following minimum score(s) on Compass: Algebra 66 , Writing 70, Reading 80

CORE 40 with Academic Honors

Some four-year Indiana colleges now require the Core 40 with Academic Honors. For the Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma, students must complete the requirements below.

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Some four-year Indiana colleges now require the Core 40 with Academic Honors. For the Core 40 with Academic Honors diploma, students must:

Earn 2 additional Core 40 math credits
Earn 2 additional Core 40 math credits
Earn 6-8 Core 40 world language credits (6 credits in one language or 4 credits each in two languages).
Earn 2 Core 40 fine arts credits.
Earn a grade of a “C” or better in courses that will count toward the diploma.
Have a cumulative grade point average of a “B” or better.
Complete one of the following:
Earn 4 credits in 2 or more AP courses and take corresponding AP exams
Earn 6 college credits in dual credit courses from the approved dual credit list.
Earn two of the following:
A minimum of 3 college credits from the approved dual credit list
2 credits in AP courses and corresponding AP exams
2 credits in IB standard level courses and corresponding IB exams
Earn a combined score of 1250 or higher on the SAT critical reading, mathematics and writing sections and a minimum score of 530 on each.
Earn an ACT composite score of 26 or higher and complete a written section.
Earn 4 credits in IB courses and take corresponding IB exams

International Baccalaureate

Some Indiana high schools offer the International Baccalaureate diploma. This diploma prepares you intellectually, personally, emotionally and socially to live in a rapidly globalizing world. You can choose courses in languages, business and more.

General diploma

Some students may graduate with a General Diploma, rather than the state’s Core 40 Diploma. To graduate with a General Diploma, the following formal opt-out process must be completed:

The student, the student’s parent/guardian and the student’s counselor (or another staff member who assists students in course selection) must meet to discuss the student’s progress.
The student’s Graduation Plan (including four year course plan) is reviewed.
The student’s parent/guardian determines whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by completing the general curriculum or the Core 40 curriculum.
If the decision is made to opt-out of Core 40, the student is required to complete the course and credit requirements for a general diploma and the career/academic sequence the student will pursue is determined. Learn More about the General Diploma here.

High School Equivalency Exam

Indiana has a new High School Equivalency exam that replaces the traditional GED® tests.

There are special programs for adults, set up to teach math, reading and writing skills for free. These are designed to help you earn a high school equivalency degree, or enter an entry-level occupational certification program.

The test still assesses math, reading, writing, science and social studies. Test takers will still need to demonstrate proficiency in these subjects, but the test will be a better indicator of a student’s readiness for college or a career.

If you have any questions, contact the Department of Workforce Development at adulted@dwd.in.gov or call 317-233-6480. Once you’ve got your high school diploma or equivalency, you can look into taking classes that fit your lifestyle.